Old (1950s) Triumph frame number?

[BAD DAD]

Here's one for any Triumph gurus out there:

I've got an old 650 pre unit in my shed that I am puzzled about. Looking at the various websites that specialize in such matters, I have still been unable to decipher the frame number and wether it is an original part for this particular bike. The number in the frame is F3537 which is found on the right hand side under the seat and directly above the Amal carby. Although this is not a life threatening issue, it would be grand to actually know the facts and history of the bike as I gradually return it to road worthyness. Cheers.

[Paul in NZ]

Triumph frame numbers are always up by the headstock, drive side.

That is the casting number. Put up a picture if you need any more help identifing it

[Blackbird]

I've still got my manual covering all twins from 1945 to 1961. Give some more details, engine number, photo of frame or other parts and I can probably tell you.

[Paul in NZ]

some times i wonder why people post these threads

[Motu]

So it can go off on a tangent talking about the latest GSXR600.

[Voltaire]

So it can go off on a tangent talking about the latest GSXR600.

are they the ones that leave you behind on the straights, you pass on the corners and leave you again on the next straight?

My guess is its either a Rigid or a Swinging Arm.....

[Chev25250]

Think you will find that number is just the Triumph Part # for the frame
Alpha-numeric was converted to Numeric (The Triumph Part Number was part of the Triumph Conversion that took place in 1973 for all pre 73 machines)
So FXXXX (4 digits) is now 82-3537 & thats yr Part # for the frame
Chk out a parts book for your particular model & you should see it - Good Luck

[BAD DAD]

Triumph frame numbers are always up by the headstock, drive side.

That is the casting number. Put up a picture if you need any more help identifing it

OK thanks for that. It looks like the frame number might be concealed under a thick deposit of paint.

[BAD DAD]

Think you will find that number is just the Triumph Part # for the frame
Alpha-numeric was converted to Numeric (The Triumph Part Number was part of the Triumph Conversion that took place in 1973 for all pre 73 machines)
So FXXXX (4 digits) is now 82-3537 & thats yr Part # for the frame
Chk out a parts book for your particular model & you should see it - Good Luck

Also thanks to you Chev25250. After hours of searching, some clarity emerges. That's one of the reasons I enjoy KB .
Re Blackbird: Engine number is T110 68978 , which seems to indicate that the engine was assembled in 1955 onwards .

[Motu]

Cast iron or alloy head ?

[Voltaire]

Tiger 110....I have a 58/59 in boxes.... from memory the T110 came out in '55 with a swinging arm but still with the iron head...? 1/2 width front brake drum....rear guard that is made of two parts, later is one.
The tank badges changed from the band type to the mouth organ ones in ....'57 when the alloy head came in.
Nice in the Blue Sheen of the day.

On the subject..who saw the 1959 Bonnie on
TM that went for 30K

[BAD DAD]

Cast iron or alloy head ?

Alloy head. The tank badges are the mouth organ type but I'm not sure if the tank is original or not. The carb is Amal 930 , single of course and seemed to work ok before I got the tank repaired due to copious leakage. According to the papers the bike was "rebuilt" in 1978 and I imagine that that was when the front end was replaced as it no longer sports the nacelle type headlight and the legs were chromed at some stage but look like shit now. A nice two-tone blue and grey hid half a bucket of bog but now it will be "amarinth red" once I finish battling with the dark art of spray painting. Basically it came into my hands as a rattish runner and will probably improve in appearance slightly but never head very far down the restoration road.
Actually I've got to find some decent petrol taps because the ones it came with were standard plumbing valves with gauzes grafted onto them and look shocking even to a mechanical oaf like me.
Maybe it would have been cheaper to buy a boat...doubt it.